#20 - The Flax Issue, Spring 2018

PLY Magazine — Flax & Linen Issue

This issue is all about flax. And linen. And spinning. And people. And the wider world those things connect us to. It’s generous with knowledge and rich with voices.

If flax has ever felt intimidating — mysterious, humble, ancient, or all of the above — this issue is a wonderful place to begin. It starts with the basics: language, history, processing, preparation, and the simplest ways to get started. You’ll dig into the big questions, too, like how much twist linen really wants (and needs), for both singles and plied yarns.

Ready to go deeper? You’ll explore advanced techniques like different preparations, finishing methods, bleaching, and dyeing. Wet spinning, dry spinning, spindle spinning — it’s all here. The goal was to cover flax from beginner to beyond, and this issue rises beautifully to the challenge.

Whether you’re a longtime flax spinner or still sorting out where flax ends and linen begins, this issue meets you where you are. It weaves together history, growing, processing, spinning, plying, and finishing, with thoughtful discussions about when and why to dye or bleach, and exactly how to handle twist for strong, beautiful linen yarns.

Add in three approachable projects across different fiber arts, and you’ve got an issue that’s inspiring, educational, and deeply satisfying. If flax has ever sparked your curiosity — or demanded your respect — this is an issue you won’t want to miss.